Hibiscus moscheutos Southern Belle Group (Rose Mallow) — Shrub, small tree

Overview

Hibiscus moscheutos Southern Belle Group is a plant with a shrub, small tree habit in the genus Hibiscus, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hibiscus moscheutos Southern Belle Group grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, hedges and specimen planting.

About

Hibiscus moscheutos Southern Belle Group is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the mallow family that flowers from July to October. It favours full sun and moist, neutral loam and benefits from a south-facing, sheltered position. Classified H5 (hardy), it will withstand most UK winter conditions when planted in a protected spot. Use it where summer-to-autumn blooms can be viewed from a patio, path or border.

About the genus

Hibiscus is a genus of common flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus is quite large, comprising several hundred species that are native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are renowned for their large, showy flowers and those species are commonly known simply as "hibiscus", or less widely known as rose mallow.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hibiscus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hibiscus

In the garden

Hibiscus moscheutos Southern Belle Group belongs to the genus Hibiscus within the Malvaceae and carries its main interest in a summer-to-autumn flowering season (July to October). The plant is deciduous and establishes best where it receives uninterrupted sun; a south-facing setting keeps its display prominent. Plant into a loam-based soil with a neutral pH and consistent moisture; the soil should remain well drained so roots are not waterlogged. Sitings exposed to strong winds can damage shoots and flowers, so choose a sheltered aspect. The hardiness rating H5 (hardy) indicates it tolerates typical UK winters when sited out of the coldest, most exposed spots. Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and apply a steady water regime through dry spells to support flowering. Use the Southern Belle Group at the back of borders where its season-long blooms can form a late show, as a specimen beside a patio for direct viewing, or within a mixed hedge to add height and a clear flowering period. Because its bloom runs from July to October, position it where that long display will be visible during the late-summer garden season.